The Junior Boks will play out for the seventh place in the World Rugby U20 Championship after going down 34-24 to Argentina in their fifth-place semi-final in Cape Town on Sunday.
Ireland rookie Ciaran Frawley revelled in his match-winning contribution after landing a last-gasp drop goal to stun world champions South Africa in Durban.
The Springboks could do nothing but take their heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Ireland on the chin, as coach Rassie Erasmus admitted they simply weren't good enough in the first half.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the team is playing for all South Africans when they take on Ireland in Saturday's massive series decider in Durban.
Andy Farrell expects world champions South Africa to be "twice as good" during the second Test in Durban but believes Ireland can still salvage a series draw.
Franco Mostert has called for an exceptional team effort and a better performance in the breakdowns and mauls as the Springboks look to seal a series victory over Ireland in Durban.